Shortly after serving tea, Lu Jiaxue walked out of the inner room, followed by the Vice Minister of War and others, like stars surrounding the moon. He saw Luo Shenyuan standing by the railing. Unlike most scholars who were frail, Luo Shenyuan was quite robust, with a physique similar to his own.
Seeing Luo Shenyuan, Yining walked away from Lu Jiaxue and went to Luo Shenyuan’s side to say something.
Standing next to Luo Shenyuan, she barely reached his shoulder. Although Luo Shenyuan did nothing, standing tall like a mountain beside her gave a natural sense of protection.
Lu Jiaxue narrowed his eyes slightly.
Although he knew Luo Shenyuan was her Third Brother, they lived together as siblings. If feelings developed over time, given they weren’t blood-related, one day the pretense might become reality…
He walked over, smiling, “Lord Luo is entering the palace this afternoon to see the Emperor. I also need to discuss border matters with His Majesty. Why don’t we go together?”
Lu Jiaxue had said that as long as she stayed by Luo Shenyuan’s side, he wouldn’t let Luo Shenyuan off.
Luo Yining held back and said, “You’re…”
Luo Shenyuan gently interrupted her, placing a hand on her shoulder, and replied smoothly, “I’ve long admired the Governor-General from afar, but I’m afraid I’ll have to go later. Please, Governor-General, go ahead.”
He gestured politely.
Lu Jiaxue smiled again, “Lord Luo is too polite. I see you’re calm and composed. I wonder how the Ministry of Justice’s interrogation of Zeng Yingkun is progressing.” Few could remain so calm under accusations of treason and criticism.
Not only was Luo Shenyuan calm, but he also went to the office regularly, ignoring what others said.
His qualities as a top politician were not just for show.
Luo Shenyuan smiled, “Others’ words are beyond my control. I can only do my duty. If I were to fret over every criticism, I’d have no time for work.”
Lu Jiaxue found Luo Shenyuan very dangerous. Xu Wei indeed had an eye for talent; this man had the potential to become a Grand Secretary or even Prime Minister.
“Lord Luo speaks wisely,” Lu Jiaxue said, then ignored him and left the hall with his entourage.
Seeing everyone leave, Luo Shenyuan told Yining, “After I enter the palace, I’ll return home first. Come back soon.” Yining was to stay at the Duke of Ying’s mansion for two days to meet Wei’s new wife.
Then he also left the hall.
Yining didn’t know why he was entering the palace, but remembering Lu Jiaxue’s words, she felt increasingly heavy-hearted.
After noon, Wei Ling was about to leave to welcome the bride.
He rode on a tall horse, with the welcoming procession following behind, creating a festive atmosphere. Yining watched the procession slowly disappear, feeling very complex emotions. The young, short-lived Minlan in her memory was a calm and composed woman.
Minlan must have liked him, otherwise, why would she have borne their child?
Perhaps Yining herself hoped so. She hoped Minlan had liked Wei Ling, that they had mutual affection. If they hadn’t missed each other, it would have been a peaceful, harmonious ending.
Fourteen years had passed, and the Duke of Ying’s mansion would finally have a mistress.
Zhao Mingzhu tugged at her hand, “Let’s go, he’ll be back soon.”
The house was full of guests, and young Ting was keeping Old Madam Wei company. Regarding his soon-to-arrive stepmother, he expressed dislike, saying he didn’t want a stepmother. Yining patted his head but didn’t pay much attention to him. He hadn’t liked her at first either, but if the stepmother treated him well in the future, he would naturally like her. Old Madam Wei had said earlier that this Lady Xu was gentle and sensible, likely to win Ting over.
By the time the welcoming procession returned, it was already evening. Since the bride was the youngest sister of Duke Xu and much loved by her family, they had sent people to escort her. Several of Lady Xu’s nephews came.
Xu Yong, who had come to escort his aunt to the wedding, nearly slipped when he saw Luo Yining sitting in the hall drinking tea.
Someone from the Wei family went to welcome him, smiling, “Young Master Xu, please come and sit here.”
Xu Yong’s eyes widened as he pointed at Luo Yining, “That… that is your…”
“That’s our household’s only young lady. She’s now married to Lord Luo of the Ministry of Works. The Duke dotes on her very much. You’d better speak gently to her later,” the person welcoming him answered with a smile.
He realized why Lu Jiaxue had stood up for her that day! She was Wei Ling’s daughter.
Sitting in the hall, Yining also saw Xu Yong. She knew they would meet eventually but hadn’t expected him to escort his aunt today. She smiled and asked someone to invite him in, “Young Master Xu, have you found the jade pendant you lost that day?”
Zhao Mingzhu looked suspicious, “You know him?”
“Yes, we’ve met once. It left quite an impression.”
Xu Yong felt that with every word this young lady spoke, he wanted to sweat more.
If his father knew he had offended the Duke of Ying’s daughter, he would surely break his legs when he returned home.
Xu Yong went over to greet her, his forehead covered in cold sweat. His infatuation with Xie Yun was well-known, and he hadn’t given up even after her marriage, but this led to him offending the Duke of Ying’s daughter.
“Thank you for your concern, madam. I’ve found the jade pendant myself,” Xu Yong hurriedly smiled.
Yining had just found it amusing to tease him and hadn’t intended to hold it against him. Seeing he was sufficiently frightened, she waved him away.
The wedding ceremony had begun on the other side.
The sound of drums and gongs filled the air as the ceremonial officer chanted. Yining listened, lost in thought.
Yining rested in her room. The next day, when she went to pay respects to Old Madam Wei, she finally met the new bride, Lady Xu.
Wei Ling accompanied her. She wore a bright red jacket with a hundred-good-fortune pattern, her hair in a cloud-like bun, adorned with a pair of red gold earrings that accentuated her long neck. Her face was fair, with long phoenix eyes, indeed looking dignified and beautiful.
After their wedding night, she looked at Wei Ling with a new bride’s shyness. After all, Wei Ling was tall and handsome, in his prime. A man at his most flourishing age is most attractive to women.
She paid respects to Old Madam Wei, and then Yining brought young Ting to pay respects to her.
The relationship between stepmothers and stepchildren is always awkward at first. Before Lady Xu married into the family, her brother and sister-in-law had told her about the situation in the Duke of Ying’s household. There weren’t many children, but both were important. The girl was Wei Ling’s precious pearl, his only daughter. The boy was the future Duke of Ying, and everyone in the family would pamper him. If she wasn’t good to the boy, he had his grandmother and sister backing him. And Wei Ling would side with the children.
Her sister-in-law had told her that Wei Ling listened to everything this girl said.
So Lady Xu looked at Yining first. The Wei family members were indeed all very good-looking. She helped Yining up first and gave her a large red envelope. Then she helped young Ting, but he was in a bad mood and hid behind his sister, ignoring her.
Yining straightened him out and said with a smile, “Please don’t mind him. He’s just a bit shy with strangers.”
The girl was indeed sensible, and Lady Xu’s anxious heart relaxed a little. She smiled gently, “It’s alright. Children are always shy with strangers. We’ll become closer over time.”
Lady Xu felt that only after she said this did Yining give her a genuine smile, and Wei Ling’s gaze, which had been fixed on her, also softened.
In the afternoon, when she was meeting relatives, the Wei family’s maternal relatives came to see her in turn. Lady Xu gathered her spirits, thinking that from now on she would be the Duchess of Ying and needed to be strong. She sat outside the reception hall but faintly heard Wei Ling and Yining talking inside.
Yining was saying that she was very good and should be a gentle-natured person. Wei Ling’s voice was low, and his words were unclear. But it was evident that he doted on his daughter extremely, speaking to her with such tender words, unlike how he spoke to Lady Xu.
Lady Xu felt relieved that her brother and sister-in-law had explained things clearly before she came. This family’s girl was not to be trifled with; even the household’s managing matrons obeyed her. If she hadn’t already married out, she would have more say in this house than Lady Xu herself.
Lady Xu wanted to offer some sugar treats to young Ting to win him over.
But he avoided her, childishly saying, “I don’t want your candy.”
He had accepted Yining back then because she was his blood-related sister. But Lady Xu wasn’t; his impression of a stepmother was just a strange woman he suddenly had to call mother.
Hearing this from inside, Yining quickly came out and scolded Ting in a low voice. Ting looked at his sister pitifully but was still brought before Lady Xu to apologize. After apologizing, he hugged his sister’s leg, clinging to her like a small animal.
Lady Xu thought of how she was when she was a young lady at home and felt a lump in her throat.
Being married was nothing like being a young lady at home. At home, her family would tolerate her. But after marriage, she had to learn to tolerate others.
She felt like a stranger in the Duke of Ying’s mansion.
Yining took Ting back to their quarters and scolded him properly for not giving face to his stepmother, reminding him that it would be Lady Xu taking care of him in the future, not her. Ting rolled into her arms, clinging to his sister and refusing to let go. Yining didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She called in his wet nurse and instructed her carefully, “If the stepmother doesn’t treat him well, tell me or tell Father. Make sure to speak up, understand?”
Ting sat up and said, “If she bullies me, I’ll hit her!”
But Yining slapped him lightly, “Hit what! That’s improper. She’ll be your stepmother from now on, understand?”
Ting was overjoyed to learn that his sister would stay for a few days and didn’t care about Lady Xu at all. He just wanted to stick to Yining. After two days, when Yining didn’t return, Luo Shenyuan sent a letter urging her to come home soon.
Yining also felt it wasn’t good to stay too long and told Pearl and Mama Lou to start packing. Ting expressed his dissatisfaction with his brother-in-law: “He has so many people serving him, why does he insist on you going back!”
“You have so many people serving you, why do you insist on me?” Yining pulled him away. How old was he, still sticking to her like he was part of her body?
Coincidentally, Zhao Mingzhu was entering the palace today. After seeing her off, Yining returned to the Luo household with a carriage full of things.
When she returned, Lin Hairu was having lunch and invited Yining to join her, asking about interesting events at the Duke of Ying’s mansion.
Yining rolled up her sleeves to remove fish bones for young Nan while chatting and laughing with Lin Hairu.
Soon, Concubine Qiao and Luo Yile came to pay respects to Lin Hairu.
Concubine Qiao was in good spirits today, wearing a bright red wide-sleeved jacket and a silk flower the size of a wine cup in her hair. Young Miss Luo Yile glanced at Yining once, then looked away towards the screen.
After sitting down, Concubine Qiao covered her mouth with a handkerchief and smiled, “I’ve come to visit Madam today to inform you that our Yile’s marriage has been arranged.”
Lin Hairu was a bit surprised that Concubine Qiao had found someone she was satisfied with.
After all, judging from Concubine Qiao’s previous attitude, it seemed she wouldn’t settle for anything less than a noble family for Luo Yile.
Lin Hairu knew that Concubine Qiao’s minimum standard for a son-in-law was a jinshi degree holder. She wondered who had caught her eye.
She asked Luo Yile to sit down as well, “Yile, tell your mother, whose family is this marriage arranged with?”
Luo Yile seemed unwilling, saying in a flat tone, “… When the matchmaker comes, Mother will naturally know.”
When she was younger, the little sister-in-law would pretend to be weak and pitiful, but now that she had grown up, she didn’t even bother to pretend. Always melancholic, with her slender figure and ethereal aura like an orchid in a secluded valley, she was quite stunning. With her looks, she could enter a noble family, though she definitely couldn’t be the main wife, being born to a concubine.
Lin Hairu felt rebuffed and held her breath. She didn’t want to bother with them anymore. As long as they didn’t cause trouble, they could do as they pleased. If anything went wrong, they shouldn’t come to her to clean up the mess.
Young Nan could now walk well, toddling around the room in his little jacket, causing the maids to follow him carefully, protecting him. Lin Hairu was busy managing the household, so after eating, Yining simply took him back to Xuanjing Hall to play.
Nan was a bit reserved in Xuanjing Hall, so Yining used candy to coax him. The child loved sweets, and he toddled after Yining, munching on the sweet candy, like a little tail following her, endearing to all.
Luo Shenyuan came home earlier today. Little Nan ran to tug at his robe, smearing melted candy on it. He didn’t like children much and frowned, asking a maid to take him away.
He had just urged Yining to come back, and now she brought a little person with her. He simply didn’t like anyone clinging to her. At the Duke of Ying’s mansion, Ting was clinging to her, and now there was little Nan following her like a tail.
Nan called Yining “Sister” pitifully, wanting to give Luo Shenyuan the candy he held in his hand, unsure what to do.
Luo Shenyuan turned and asked, “What did he call you?”
Yining laughed nervously, “You go ahead with your work. I need to take him back to Mother.”
Seeing Yining leave carrying the child, Luo Shenyuan’s fingers tapped lightly on the table edge. He didn’t like children, but Yining loved them very much.
Luo Shenyuan didn’t want children at all. With a child, Yining would devote all her love to that child. He felt uncomfortable with this, even if it were his child.
He feared that one day she would discover… how terrifying he was, not wanting anything that could divert her attention to exist.
The next day, Yining woke from a nightmare, constantly recalling Lu Jiaxue’s whisper in her ear.
“I won’t let you go.”
She put on an outer garment and got up, finding Luo Shenyuan gone.
The atmosphere in the room was tense, with many more guards outside the door. Yining clearly remembered that Luo Shenyuan was supposed to have a day off today, but he wasn’t home at all, which was very unusual.
Feeling something was amiss, she summoned Lin Yong to inquire. Lin Yong told her, “The master was suddenly summoned to the palace at 5:15 AM. Something big must have happened.”
Yining grew increasingly anxious as the night wore on and Luo Shenyuan had not yet returned. A faint crescent moon hung in the sky as she waited under the eaves. Pearl draped a cloak over her shoulders to ward off the chill. Yining’s unease grew with each passing moment of silence.
Suddenly, Lin Yong rushed over with news: “Word from the palace, my lady. Someone has directly petitioned the Emperor, accusing Lord Luo of six fabricated crimes. His Majesty was alarmed and summoned Lord Luo to the palace.”
No wonder he hadn’t returned yet!
Yining pondered this, then asked, “Do the eldest and second masters know about this?”
As a woman, she couldn’t intervene directly. Only those two could properly handle such matters.
Lin Yong replied, “Don’t worry, my lady. The eldest and second masters changed into their official robes and hurried to the palace after hearing the news. They should be at the palace gates by now.”
“What about my father?” Yining inquired.
The matter with Zeng Yingkun was still related to Pingyuan Fort. Wei Ling’s presence might improve the situation somewhat.
Lin Yong hesitated, then realized she meant the Duke of Ying. “I’m not sure, my lady. I’ll send someone to inquire.”
Yining nodded and instructed Lin Yong, “Tell the night watchmen to be ready to open the gates. It may rain this evening.”
In her study, Yining dozed off while waiting, the candles burning low. Pearl had just extinguished a lamp to help her sleep when the sound of hoofbeats and carriage wheels came from the front courtyard. Yining awoke instantly. Lights blazed to life as the creaking of gates pierced the night.
Fully awake now, Yining hurriedly donned her cloak and, accompanied by the night servant Qingqu, went out to greet him. Outside the ornamental gate, a group surrounded Luo Shenyuan—family members, his uncle, Luo Chengzhang, and his retainers. Luo Shenyuan’s expression was gloomy yet calm.
Yining overheard Luo Chengwen telling someone, “Three-tenths of the military merit was awarded to Shenyuan. The Emperor flew into a rage, nearly killing Xu Yongqing with a thrown inkstone, cursing him for slandering a loyal minister.”
Yining’s heart lightened at these words. Surely the crisis had passed. She breathed a sigh of relief.
Recalling the intense scene, Luo Chengwen could hardly contain himself: “Tomorrow, the court officials will likely be eating crow. The Emperor feels you’ve been wronged and may bestow substantial rewards. Accept them graciously, Shenyuan! Though you can’t be promoted now, when the Minister of Works position opens up, it will surely be yours.”
“I dare not aspire to such a lofty position yet, uncle,” Luo Shenyuan replied.
Yining waited at the gate, bowing to greet her uncles-in-law as they prepared to depart. Seeing her shivering like a quail in the cold wind, Luo Shenyuan bid farewell to his uncle and father and approached her, asking, “Why aren’t you asleep? Your face is blue with cold.”
He draped his cloak over her. It was far too large, enveloping her from chin to toe like a sweet, soft pastry.
“Third Brother, I heard Uncle say you subdued the court officials?” Yining asked. “How did you manage it?”
She noted his crimson official robes and composed expression.
As they walked, Luo Shenyuan explained, “My association with Zeng Heng was to gather intelligence for your father. Once your father clarifies this, the officials will have no ground to stand on.”
Puzzled, Yining had the maids prepare hot water and bedding once they entered. They sat on the window-side couch as she asked, “If it was so easily resolved, why not explain from the start? It would have saved you much trouble and criticism.” She handed him a bowl of soup from a maid. “The night is cold and damp. Drink some ginger soup to ward off the chill.”
Luo Shenyuan first held the white jade bowl of light brown, sugar-sweetened ginger soup to her lips. “You drink first.”
Yining smiled. “What, afraid I’ve poisoned you?”
He tapped her head lightly. “Drink quickly. You were freezing earlier.”
Yining sipped from his hand, her lips glistening with sugar syrup before she refused more. Luo Shenyuan then drained the bowl in one gulp and set it aside.
“I delayed explaining to let the Emperor punish me,” Luo Shenyuan said. “The officials’ accusations went too far, angering His Majesty. I waited for this moment. With your father’s covert assistance, I not only cleared myself of treason but gained the Emperor’s sympathy and regret. This will ease my future promotion to minister. Tomorrow’s court session should prove interesting.”
Yining quickly grasped his strategy. Luo Shenyuan likely sought to secure greater benefits for himself.
Luo Shenyuan toyed with the empty bowl, his gaze distant.
The Emperor had personally descended from his throne to support him, calling him a pillar of the state. He had also berated Xu Yongqing, the lead accuser from the Ministry of Personnel, mercilessly.
Lu Jiaxue had remained silent, watching Wei Ling with an enigmatic smile.
Recalling her uncle’s description, Yining wished she could have witnessed the intense scene firsthand. She genuinely admired Luo Shenyuan’s cunning. No wonder he had become Prime Minister at such a young age!
“…Did the Emperor crack an official’s skull?” she asked.
“His Majesty has long tired of their noise. Given the chance to strike, he naturally took it,” Luo Shenyuan replied.
Still concerned about Lu Jiaxue, Yining pressed, “In this matter… Lu Jiaxue must be the mastermind behind those men. Was he implicated?”
Luo Shenyuan answered coolly, “How would they dare?”
After pondering, Yining continued, “When I was with him, I heard he planned to use Zeng Yingkun against you. Now that you’ve benefited from the Pingyuan Fort affair, who knows what he might do next? He’s always been unscrupulous, willing to use any means to achieve his goals…”
“Enough,” Luo Shenyuan interrupted suddenly.
Yining was taken aback. Luo Shenyuan sighed, “I dislike you mentioning him. Let’s not speak of him again, alright?”
She realized her husband must still be troubled by her abduction by Lu Jiaxue. Few men could overlook such an incident.
“Alright,” she said with a smile after a moment’s hesitation. “I won’t mention him again.”
Luo Shenyuan stroked her head. “Sleep now. No one can harm me.”
The next morning, Luo Shenyuan had already left for the early court session when Yining awoke.
She had Madam Fan place offerings before the Confucius statue in the front hall, then brought freshly made walnut and chestnut cakes to pay respects to Lin Hairu. She found her mother-in-law reclining against pillows, absent-mindedly tapping her legs with a beauty mallet. Seeing Yining, she beckoned her to sit nearby.
This mother-in-law was the kindest. Back at the Ningyuan Marquis’s household, Yining had to deal with both the Marchioness and the old Madam, each intent on controlling their daughters-in-law. All three sisters-in-law came from noble families, while Yining’s humble origins left her no grounds to argue.
Suddenly, Yining recalled Lu Jiaxue’s words: “You think it was so easy to marry into a marquis’s family as a concubine’s daughter? With your low status, it wouldn’t have been possible without my help.”
His words were likely true. He had seemed sincere when saying it. That marriage truly hadn’t been won by her tears alone.
Lin Hairu now lived comfortably, with Luo Shenyuan’s support and having given birth to young Nan. Only Concubine Qiao still occasionally vexed her. Yining took the mallet and began massaging her legs. “What’s on your mind, Mother? You seem lost in thought.”
“I’m wondering how Lian’er will make such a good marriage when she hasn’t even shown her face yet—” Lin Hairu sighed, sitting up. “Concubine Qiao went to see your father, complaining that I give her too little allowance. She wants several hundred taels of silver for jewelry. Your father scolded me about it last night.”
“He still sees Concubine Qiao?” Yining paused, having thought the concubine had completely fallen from favor.
“Men are always soft-hearted. A few tears, and he’ll see her again,” Lin Hairu replied. After so many years, she lacked the energy to care much. It was easier to turn a blind eye.
Yining pondered this for a moment before asking about Lin Mao’s work as magistrate of Gaomi County.
This topic energized Lin Hairu, who showed Yining a letter from Lin Mao. It was addressed to his parents in Yangzhou. Since their son had become an official, the Lin family treated him like a treasure. Copies of his letters were sent to all his aunts, as he was the first in the family to hold an official post in the capital. The young man showed no sense of having been demoted to county magistrate. His letters read like travelogues, detailing day trips to various mountains and lakes, and his experiences in the countryside. He wrote at length about the sights, sounds, and local delicacies he encountered, displaying considerable literary flair.
Yining laughed until her stomach hurt. Returning the letter, she suggested, “Tell the uncle to keep all his letters. When he returns, you can publish ‘The Chronicles of Lin Mao’ or something similar to preserve his legacy.”
“His grandfather was most pleased by his demotion, saying it’s better to be a local official nurturing the common people. As if he could nurture anyone like this!” Lin Hairu scoffed. “I’m more worried the people will end up nurturing him instead.”
Young Nan was brought out, having awakened from his nap. He immediately scrambled into his mother’s arms.
The Luo family anxiously awaited news from the palace.
By noon, word arrived: Luo Shenyuan was rewarded for his border pacification efforts with 500 mu of good farmland, 2,000 taels of gold, and 5,000 taels of silver. The officials who had accused him were given ten strokes with the court stick for slandering a loyal minister. The entire Luo household was abuzz with excitement.
In the imperial court, the Emperor beamed with satisfaction.
Luo Shenyuan stepped forward to receive his rewards and showered with imperial praise. He exchanged a wordless glance with Wei Ling.
Lu Jiaxue stood at the head of the military officials, expressionless and motionless.
Luo Shenyuan was no novice, but a young tiger who had found his strength. Given the opportunity, he had struck back decisively. Wei Ling had surprised him by willingly ceding the military achievements.
In time, no one would be able to restrain him.
Cheng Lang stood among the officials, silently listening to the Emperor’s edict of rewards. He knew that after Lu Jiaxue had dismissed him as an advisor, Lu had become his strategist. He hadn’t intended to use this against Luo Shenyuan; he had simply wanted to irritate him. When Lu Jiaxue truly wanted something, he would use any means necessary to obtain it. His real intentions surely went beyond merely troubling Luo Shenyuan.
Cheng Lang could no longer cause problems for Lu Jiaxue, lest he be killed. Nor could he afford to provoke Luo Shenyuan. He could only watch as these two powerful figures clashed. Power and spoils belonged only to the victor.
Cheng Lang lowered his head, a cold smile playing on his lips.
As he descended the palace steps, the winter haze hung low and thick, tinged with fog.
Step by step, Cheng Lang observed Luo Shenyuan conversing with Xu Wei. Xu Wei’s face was wreathed in smiles as Luo Shenyuan listened intently. Though he made no particular gesture, all eyes were drawn to him.
To Cheng Lang’s surprise, Lu Jiaxue waited for him at the bottom of the steps.
“My good nephew, did you warn Luo Shenyuan?” Lu Jiaxue asked with a smile.
Cheng Lang had expected him to discover this and didn’t bother to deny it. “Uncle… do as you will. I have nothing more to say.”
“Punish you?” Lu Jiaxue snorted.
“I have business with you. Come with me,” he said, donning his cloak and striding ahead.
Cheng Lang gritted his teeth and followed. He dared not defy Lu Jiaxue. What could he want from him?